Single Life Isn't Easy: Chinese Man Suffers Depression from Repeated Marriage Pressure During Lunar New Year

Chen, a young man from Huai'an, China, is experiencing depression and dreading returning home for the Lunar New Year due to continuous pressure from his parents to get married. Chen describes himself as introverted and not good at socializing, which his parents criticize as a lack of effort in finding a partner. Approaching 30 years old, Chen feels intense pressure every time he thinks about facing comparisons and repetitive questions. "As the Lunar New Year approaches, just thinking about going home and being pushed to get married, being asked why I'm not married and why I don't have a girlfriend makes me afraid to return," he says. Psychologists note that the conflict isn't really about marriage itself, but stems from differences in values. Parents' concerns typically come from worry about their children's future care, while younger generations prioritize personal life timing, relationship quality, and freedom of choice. When parental concern turns into pressure or dismisses a child's personal values, it can lead to resistance, depression, and avoidance of family activities. Experts warn that when parents focus solely on outcomes, what should be a warm family reunion can inadvertently become a mentally damaging experience. Many netizens agreed that returning home each year involves facing the same marriage-related interrogations.